
The Old Salty Dog
A waterfront British pub famous for its beer-battered hot dogs and stunning views of Sarasota Bay. Known for its casual vibe and fresh seafood.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Old Salty Dog

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A waterfront British pub famous for its beer-battered hot dogs and stunning views of Sarasota Bay. Known for its casual vibe and fresh seafood.
"You cannot beat the view and the food was fresh and delicious!"
Beat the crowds
Visit during off-peak hours or the off-season to avoid long waits and enjoy the views.
Sit outside for views
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and passing boats.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Seafood, British Pub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Loaded Salty Dog
A quarter-pound hot dog, battered & fried, then loaded with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onions & mushrooms, and three cheeses.

Scenic Waterfront Dining
Enjoy picturesque views of Sarasota Bay and passing boats from the casual, open-air deck.

Classic Fish and Chips
Beer-battered grouper served with fries, a British pub staple praised by many diners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the crowds
Visit during off-peak hours or the off-season to avoid long waits and enjoy the views.
Sit outside for views
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and passing boats.
Consider the appetizer
Coconut shrimp entree has similar pieces to the appetizer but at a higher price.
Stick to drinks if unsure
If hesitant about food quality, enjoy drinks at the bar with a scenic experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the crowds
Visit during off-peak hours or the off-season to avoid long waits and enjoy the views.
Sit outside for views
Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and passing boats.
Consider the appetizer
Coconut shrimp entree has similar pieces to the appetizer but at a higher price.
Stick to drinks if unsure
If hesitant about food quality, enjoy drinks at the bar with a scenic experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about The Old Salty Dog's stunning waterfront views and casual, friendly atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. While many praise classic pub fare like fish and chips and the signature loaded hot dog, some reviews mention a lack of flavor in certain dishes and criticize the price of drinks. The service is generally noted as friendly and attentive, with many highlighting excellent experiences with specific servers.
"The restaurant is right on the water. You cannot beat the view! It had a local vibe, which we love since we're true Floridians. The food was fresh and delish! We had the grouper, blackened, sandwich and the Captain seafood platter. We also enjoyed some nice cold beverages: ice tea and a local beer. Enjoy!"
Kristin McKinney
"This was one of the best restaurants we ate at. Everything was great. The food was above average!! The Service was fantastic!! Several of the workers stopped and talked to us. We set on the deck overlooking the water. This is a must if you are near the area. The sunset on the water is a must see."
April Plummer
"What an incredible meal! The Old Salty Dog is always a must-visit whenever we're in Florida, and this trip was no exception. We finally tried the loaded Old Salty Dog, and I deeply regret not ordering it sooner. It absolutely lives up to the hype and is a game-changer.
The atmosphere was perfect. We sat right by the water, which made for a beautiful and relaxing experience. The kids had a blast too, enjoying their meals along with a delicious strawberry smoothie. They also loved the freebie that came with their food and were so excited to take it home.
On top of that, the peel and eat shrimp were out of this world—fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The staff was also incredibly friendly and attentive, which made the experience even better. We'll be back again and again!"
Victor K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Old Salty Dog is most famous for its signature "Salty Dog," a quarter-pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown, often served loaded with various toppings.
To avoid long waits, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours or the off-season.
Yes, outdoor seating is available and highly recommended to enjoy the beautiful views of Sarasota Bay.
Yes, the atmosphere is described as very kid-friendly, making it a great place for families.
Popular items include fish and chips, peel and eat shrimp, grouper sandwiches, and burgers.
Yes, they serve breakfast starting early on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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A menu of steamer and raw-bar options supplements such much-enjoyed favorites as quarter-pound hot dogs, fish-and-chips, wings, and burgers—and early birds can catch breakfast here, too. With views of New Pass between Longboat and Lido keys, this is a popular stop for locals and visitors en route from Mote Aquarium and the adjoining bay-front park. The open-air dining area is comfortable even in summer, thanks to a pleasant breeze.
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Old Salty Dog (Lunch): My wife ordered the fish n’ chips special ($10) – which was batter fried grouper. I enjoyed the blackened grouper sandwich ($10) which was good, but not as delicious as the first grouper sandwich at Cha-Cha Coconuts. The outdoor setting overlooking the bay and proximity to the aquarium were fantastic – it’s a very child-friendly atmosphere.
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I'd suggest St. Armand's Circle instead, or if you're visiting the Mote Aquarium in the morning/afternoon, we liked the Salty Dog for a casual lunch. Very kid-friendly with outdoor dining right on the bay. The fish n chips were triple-bypass delicious and you can't go wrong with the blackened grouper sandwich!
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Now with three locations, Old Salty Dog is the perfect end to a day or start to an evening. Unwind with a brew and some above-average fish and chips on the breezy outdoor deck in the original location, at the City Island marina across from the Mote (mains from $7 to $16).
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Located on City Island overlooking the New Pass Inlet, Old Salty Dog is featured in a classic episode of “Man v. Food” as well as at least one episode of MTV’s reality show “Siesta Key.” Open Monday through Thursday for lunch and dinner and starting at 7 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, too; popular menu items include the must-try Loaded Salty Dog featured on “Man v. Food.” It’s a quarter-pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown and topped with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onion and mushrooms, American, cheddar, pepper jack and Swiss cheese. Other popular dishes are the peel and eat shrimp tossed in garlic butter and Old Bay, and the steam pots made to order with a half-pound of Gulf shrimp, one pound of PEI mussels, one pound of snow crab legs, fresh andouille sausage, corn, potatoes, onion and celery.
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Located on City Island overlooking the New Pass Inlet, Old Salty Dog is featured in a classic episode of “Man v. Food” as well as at least one episode of MTV’s reality show “Siesta Key.” Open from 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for lunch and dinner and 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, too; popular menu items include the must-try Loaded Salty Dog featured on “Man v. Food.” It’s a quarter pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown and topped with sauerkraut, bacon, grilled onion and mushrooms, American, cheddar, pepper jack and Swiss cheese.
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In Siesta Key Village, the Old Salty Dog, 5023 Ocean Blvd. (tel. 941/349-0158; www.theoldsaltydog.com), offers a selection of British ales and an outdoor patio. Strolling St. Armands Circle provides for an entertaining night out, especially if you stop into some of the bustling bars and restaurants. Also on St. Armands Circle, the Patio Lounge in the Columbia Restaurant (tel. 941/388-3987) is one of the liveliest spots along the beach strip, featuring live, high-energy dance music Tuesday through Sunday evenings.
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Referred to as “Sarasota’s Old Florida Favorite,” the Old Salty Dog restaurant is a must-visit establishment if anyone in your family likes hot dogs. Located along the water in Sarasota’s picturesque Siesta Key, the relaxed atmosphere makes Old Salty Dog a great place for families to grab a bite between beach time and sightseeing. All the hot dogs are dipped in batter and fried, then topped with everything from cheese and onions to mushrooms and sauerkraut, and the taste is truly amazing.
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The Old Salty Dog sits on stilts over the bay, with pelicans and boats making frequent passes as you dine on seafood entrees loaded with fried mahi-mahi, shrimp, or the restaurant’s signature fish and chips. Breakfast is even served here — with a full British breakfast of bangers and baked beans or a serving of shrimp and grits among the offerings — should you want to start your day with sunrise views over the water. Visitors rave about the coconut shrimp as much as the incredible views.
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, Florida’s all-time favorite for hot dogs, burgers, and other tasty handhelds. The Old Salty Dog is most famous for its signature hot dogs, especially their trademark “Salty Dog,” a quarter-pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Other hot dog favorites include the Fully Loaded Salty Dog, their traditional Salty Dog but this time topped with sauerkraut, bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, and a mix of American, Swiss, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese.
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It’s hard to get more laid-back and casual than this City Island refuge from the real world, where you can grab a beer, fish ‘n’ chips or peel ‘n’ eat shrimp by the handful while indulging your senses in the water views and boats cruising by. Also on the menu: steamed Prince Edward Island mussels, Caribbean jerk tacos, and, for the heartiest of appetites, the loaded Salty Dog, a quarter-pound hot dog dipped in batter, fried and served with four cheeses and more toppings.
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1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota | 941.388.4311 | theoldsaltydog.com/city-island. Located on City Island, adjacent to the MarineMax boat retailer and overlooking the New Pass Inlet, this Old Salty Dog establishment is part of a group that includes locations on Siesta Key and Venice Island. Renowned for its appearances on “Man v. Food” and MTV’s “Siesta Key,” the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring comfort food classics and seafood options.
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In Siesta Key Village, the Old Salty Dog, 5023 Ocean Blvd. (tel. 941/349-0158), has a big selection of British ales and an outdoor patio. Strolling St. Armands Circle provides for an entertaining night out, especially if you stop into some of the bustling bars and restaurants like Patio Lounge in the Columbia Restaurant. It’s one of the liveliest spots along the beach strip, featuring live, high-energy dance music Tuesday through Sunday evenings.
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Up next is a family-friendly, waterfront restaurant with multiple convenient locations scattered about Sarasota called The Old Salty Dog. This place is perfect for all your waterfront dining needs, and they even have live music all the time. What sets The Old Salty Dog apart from the other waterfront restaurants on this list is the fact that they serve up some of the absolute best beer-battered hot dogs that I’ve ever tasted in all my travels.
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The Old Salty Dog is as casual as it comes and a primo hotspot for flip-flop-wearing beachgoers. The menu is rich with standard pub food with a view—including platters of jerk-spiced Caribbean fish tacos, Fully Loaded Salty Dogs, traditional English fish and chips, oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp plates and heaps of conch fritters. City Island 1601B Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, 941-388-4311
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The Old Salty Dog opened a third suncoast location in Venice in 2015. In a marina at the intracoastal waterway with great nautical scenery, they offer both indoor and outdoor dining. Their varied menu offers everything from Clam Chowder and Fish Gumbo to salads, Traditional Fish n Chips and their famous "Salty Dog" hot dog as seen on TV's "Man vs Food." There are many more tempting treats to choose from.
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If you love fish and chips, a salty ocean breeze and open-air dining, you’ll love Old Salty Dog on City Island. This waterfront dining Sarasota Florida staple has Old Florida vibes and a prime spot on the water right before the bridge to Longboat Key after St. Armand’s Circle. They have something for everyone on the menu, from burgers and tacos to peel-and-eat shrimp and chicken sandwiches.
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You would be hard pressed to find a list of best Sarasota restaurants that does not mention The Old Salty Dog. With multiple locations, this is one of the most popular venues to get their famous hot dogs or seafood baskets. I prefer the cheaper, fried options like the Po’ Boy along with some beer and live music, but you can make it a more upscale meal with steak and snow crab.
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With indoor and outdoor seating, this dog-friendly restaurant uses fresh ingredients sourced locally. All the kids meals here are served on a collectible Frisbee. You can look at Sarasota Bay as you enjoy your meal at this lovely restaurant featuring delicacies such as house-made crab dip to go with your tortilla chips, conch fritters, and a variety of steamed or raw seafood.
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The Old Salty Dog actually has three locations: one on Siesta Key, one in Venice, and one conveniently located right outside of downtown Sarasota, in City Island. This is the perfect spot for a casual meal, be it lunch or dinner, with the family. The Old Salty Dog has numerous sandwich and entree options, but what they’re really known for is, you guessed it, their hot dogs.
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Situated directly on the waterfront at Midnight Pass on City Island, Old Salty Dog prides itself on hospitality with a spirited menu. Enjoy the view and soak up the early morning and afternoon sun, or come before sunset for Happy Hour and dinner. Scoop up homemade crab dip, a raw bar with eat and peel shrimp and oysters, hot dogs, burgers, and more.
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1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-4311; TheOldSaltyDog.com. What better way to bite into a beautifully battered meal than on the water at City Island's Old Salty Dog?. Serving Sarasota since 1985, with this location opening its doors in 1991, this stop is a must for locals (whether you want to admit it or not) and visitors alike.
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For those seeking a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of Old Florida charm, look no further than the Old Salty Dog and Pop's Sunset Grill. The Old Salty Dog, located on City Island, offers a casual dining experience with stunning views of New Pass. Their famous beer-battered hot dogs and fresh seafood make it a local favorite.
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Order the fresh Mahi Mahi or grouper sandwich—you decide whether it's deep-fried, charbroiled, or blackened—and watch the boats from the waterside deck at this classic spot right next to Longboat Key. Open since 1985, The Old Salty Dog now has three locations. 1601 B Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, theoldsaltydog.com
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The Old Salty Dog is a Sarasota dining favorite, combining waterfront views with a menu of delicious seafood and American classics. Known for its famous “Salty Dog,” a deep-fried hot dog wrapped in batter, this casual spot offers plenty of kid-friendly options alongside freshly caught seafood and tropical cocktails for adults.
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With three locations in Venice, Siesta Key and City Island just outside of downtown Sarasota, this beachy spot is classic old Florida. We love the City Island location for its waterfront perch right on the Sarasota Bay. Stop here for breakfast or lunch on your way to the beach or the Mote Marine Aquarium across the street.
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If the name isn’t enough to immediately make you want to bring your dog here, then perhaps the promise of beer-battered hot dogs will be enough to tempt you. The Old Salty Dog has three locations so that you can choose the one most convenient for you, and they love it when customers choose to dine alongside their dogs.
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Did you know that you can order an Old Salty Dog at the Old Salty Dog?. Yup, this namesake menu item is a quarter-pound deep-fried hot dog that comes with fresh fries on the side. If this doesn’t appeal to you, no worries – there are plenty of other more traditional things to choose from on their menu!
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The City Island Wings with Old Bay Hot sauce at The Old Salty Dog on City Island photographed July 23, 2023. Multiple locations in Sarasota County; theoldsaltydog.com. The locally owned family of Old Salty Dogs started on Siesta Key and the newest location occupies a prime spot on Venice island.
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This restaurant was originally derived from hot dog stands and beer. It's come a long way in 20 years and it is visited by people from around the world. It has two locations, this one is the City Island Location which is right on the water and shares it's parking lot with the famous Mote Aquarium.
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Known for their hot dog but offering various seafood menu options, Old Salty Dog provides indoor and outdoor tables with stunning views of Sarasota Bay. The rustic charm makes for an ultra-casual dining experience. This is one of few restaurants where pets are welcome in the outside seating areas.
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Between its amazing sunset views, prime spot right on the water, lovely service staff, and delicious eats, you can't go wrong at The Old Salty Dog. Though there may be a wait, it moves quickly and it's well worth it. The Happy Hour here is one of The Old Salty Dog's most popular appeals.
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Also located on City Island overlooking the New Pass Inlet, Old Salty Dog serves a full menu of fresh seafood, delicious bloody marys and much more we recommend. But at least once you must try the "Famous Salty Dog," a quarter-pound hot dog dipped in batter and fried to a golden brown.
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The Old Salty Dog overlooks Sarasota Bay, giving customers a beautiful oceanic view to go with their drinks. It’s also not unusual to spot a few dolphins and manatees cruising along the bay. The bar has great dining options and some of the best traditional margaritas in Sarasota.
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Have lunch on City Island at The Old Salty Dog — an eatery that dates back nearly three decades. The restaurant combines the ambiance of the Florida Keys with a little British flair. We dare you to try the “Salty Dog” — a deep-fried quarter-pound hot dog.
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The Old Salty Dog is a casual restaurant located on City Island. Here you will find a beautiful view of Sarasota Bay with options to dine indoor or out. Check out their famous "Fully Loaded Salty Dog", which was featured on Travel Channel's Man vs. Food.
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The Salty Dog is a Sarasota favorite and actually has three locations near Sarasota. City Island is where you are going to get your best waterfront view though!. We recommend the Hot Dog, Grouper Sandwich, and Peel and Eat Shrimp.
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After being closed for about five months due to those catastrophic storms, The Old Salty Dog on City Island, overlooking New Pass and Sarasota Bay, is back open for business, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
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The Old Salty Dog has three locations in the area – all off Sarasota’s coast. This spot welcomes visitors to enjoy fresh air and even fresher seafood in a casual setting. Menus changed based on location.
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The Old Salty Dog is a simple Sarasota restaurant on the water with a fun atmosphere. Since they have multiple locations, the one that’s water front is on Longboat Key. Near Mote Marine Aquarium.
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The Old Salty Dog is situated on Sarasota Bay with locations in City Island and Siesta Key. In addition to unrivaled views, it offers pub grub, seafood, and its signature fully loaded hot dog.
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They even serve their kids meals in a frizbie (idk how to spell it lol) that you get to keep. Plus the one on Lido has some of the best views in town.
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For waterfront dining, check out restaurants like The Old Salty Dog, Marina Jack, or O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill for stunning views of Sarasota Bay.
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The Old Salty Dog – A family friendly setting on Ken Thompson Parkway with reasonable prices and tasty fried food.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit